Tested: The Warmest Winter Cycling Clothes

Don’t dread winter, crush it. Modern cycling apparel has gotten so good that we’re able to ride in colder temperatures for longer, more comfortably, than ever before.

These 10 pieces of kit use technical materials and construction to keep you warm on the bike so you can defy the weather and do what you love more: ride outside.

Velocio ZERO HL

velocio

Until I tried Velocio’s newest deep-winter offering, I thought cold, wet rides were to be endured not enjoyed.

In swirling wind and chilling rain, I zip up the ZERO HL (not to be confused with Velocio's ZERO jacket) and hop onto my bike. Kitten-soft, high-loft fleece lines the sleeves, collar, and front panels, creating a cozy pocket of warmth. A water- and wind-resistant outer layer keeps rain out, but breathes so I don’t boil over.

Though not the most extreme conditions, on days like this, when 45 degrees feels like 35, I normally focus on misery. Instead I’m energized by the crazy weather. I pull my camera from one of two zippered front pockets (there’s a third in back, plus three slots)—because you don’t get dramatic storm pictures from the couch, right?

Two zippered front pockets in addition to third rear pocket with three slots

Santini Coral Bib-Tights

santini

I expect winter tights to have a fleecy, snuggly interior. But I didn’t expect the chamois in the Corals to feel just as soft as the surrounding fabric. While the pad provided comfortable squish, I was most impressed by the fabric that covered it—it felt like a worn-in flannel shirt, yet had the wicking power of a technical material. This soft lining extends beyond the padded part for superb comfort on chilly rides, while the full-coverage mesh bib offers another layer for my upper body. —Taylor Rojek

Santini Coral Bib-Tights, $136.00

At a Glance

Super comfortable chamois feels "like a worn-in flannel shirt"

Full-coverage mesh bib adds core layer for cold rides

Excellent wicking ability throughout

Pearly’s Possum Socks Road

Tony Pedulla

Like the original Pearly’s biking sock, the Road version is made of 45 percent fine merino wool and 40 percent possum fur, but is solid black, thinner, and has a taller cuff (3.5 inches). It is supersoft and warmer than anything I’ve used, even when wet. The sock is a little thicker than your typical cycling sock, so it may be a problem if your shoe is already snug—remember that tight shoes cut off circulation and lead to cold feet, no matter how warm your winter cycling socks are. —Ron Koch

Never get stuck freezing on a ride again by following this layering guide:

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Pearly's Possum Socks Road, $44.00

At a Glance

45% fine merino wool and 40% possum fur

3.5-inch cuff

Slightly thicker, much warmer than traditional cycling socks

Merino Wool Buff

buffwear

Buff’s merino-wool model of its tubular headwear is thicker and longer than the original, keeping your neck, nose, and cheeks out of the wind. Nearly 60 color options help you add a fun pop to your winter ensemble. —Taylor Rojek

Merino Wool Buff

At a Glance

Thicker and longer than original Buff tubular headwear

Comes in nearly 60 color options

Made from 100% merino wool

Louis Garneau Power Wool Jersey

louis-garneau

Wool is one of my favorite fabrics for winter riding (It’s so warm! It doesn’t stink!), but it definitely has some drawbacks (hellooo, saggy pockets). The Power Wool fabric by Polartec solves that problem by using wool next to the skin to increase warmth and a synthetic outer layer to wick sweat and maintain shape. It kept me snug like a pure-wool jersey would on chilly rides, but let me stock my pockets with essentials, with minimal stretch. —Taylor Rojek

Castelli Omloop Thermal Bibshort

castelli

These thermal bib “shorts” are good for riders who live in a place with a milder winter—the extra-long legs are laser cut to a seamless edge that falls right above the knee but doesn’t cover it, so there’s no bunching material when you’re pedaling. They’re especially good for spirited cold-weather rides, when you want more warmth than a normal short can provide but may go hard enough to end up regretting knee warmers or knickers midway up a climb. The thermal material’s fleecy lining feels incredibly soft, thick, and toasty, and blocked the chilly breeze on early-morning rides when temperatures rose from the mid-40s to mid-50s. The shorts have great compression around the legs, so that when I started to sweat, the material wicked moisture well to keep me dry. —Gloria Liu

Giordana A+V Extreme Jacket

giordana

OMG, $500, amirite? But this three-layer insulated jacket made of wind- and waterproof material is indeed suited to extreme conditions. I rode in this jacket—and just a short-sleeve base layer underneath—in low 20-degree temps, pushing my heart rate to max on 20-minute climbs, followed by fast descents. I stayed comfortable and dry throughout, a borderline miracle because I always seem to be cold, and I sweat a ton. The jacket is also remarkably light and low-profile. —Matt Phillips

Rapha Insulated Hat

rapha

With a middle layer of Polartec Alpha insulation between a wind-resistant outer layer and merino wool liner, this hat does a bit of everything: It’s warm and protects against wind and water (it has a DWR treatment), but also thin enough to fit easily under your helmet. —Matt Phillips

Three-layer insulation system made up of Polartec Alpha, wind-resistant material, and merino wool

Equipped with DWR treatment for water resistance

Thin enough to fit easily under your helmet

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. AmFIB Super Glove

pearl izumi

These gloves challenge the idea that it’s ever too cold to ride. A roomy softshell with waterproof lining covers cozy PrimaLoft Gold insulation. The three-finger split allows dexterity while adding some warmth. I used them in single-digit temps and stayed warm for hours. —Joe Lindsey

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